What are these seeds, that I’ve been calling thistle seed, since I was a child? These seeds that Goldfinches, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and White-throated Sparrows seem to go bonkers over?
What a surprise I had, when I looked up thistle seed on the internet. Seems thistle seed is not thistle seed at all, but the seed of a yellow flower, Guizotia abyssinica, which is cultivated for its seeds in Africa, India and other areas of southeast Asia. A native of the highlands of Ethiopia, and the only major wild bird feed seed imported to North America from overseas.
This tiny black seed is sold here in the U.S. as Nyjer seed, a registered trademark of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry. It amazes me that the tiny songbirds that come to my feeders, take each tiny seed to a nearby branch and carefully remove the hull, to eat the little bit of nut meat, which is packed with 40 percent oil, which is the attractant.
In all seasons, Goldfinches arrive to dine on the Nyjer seeds.
Another bird that can’t resist the temptation of Nyjer seed, is the White-Throated Sparrow.
There are other birds that are attracted to Nyjer seed, but I’ll close with this last little guy. A Tufted Titmouse. These four bird species, Chickadees, Goldfinches, White-throated Sparrows, and Tufted Titmice are the ones that I know I’ll see every single day at my feeder of tiny black seeds, that are not thistle seed.
2 responses to “Thistle Seed? No!”
Ah, you have reminded me it’s time to put out the-not-thistle-seed! The goldfinches have arrived in my garden all splotchy from molting into their bright yellow feathers. I have missed these guys. Normally a few stay through the winter but not this past one. I am missing my Tufted Titmouse, too. Mine really like the peanuts. I find it fascinating that they peck a tiny hole in the shell so that they can carry it away. Perhaps a little Nyger seed will entice them to return. I love the call of the White Throated Sparrow – I have fond memories of watching one sing in the cold and seeing its tiny breath.
Hi Kathy! Surely by now you’ve put out the-not-thistle-seed! I’ve been enjoying so very much the spots of sunshine that are the goldfinches. I do have to be careful though, and only leave the feeders out when I am there to carefully watch them. I’ve had two little bears discover the feeders and are proving to be little rascals. So long as I keep an eye on things, I’ve not had a problem. I’m wondering if your tufted titmice have returned. Fun to hear about them pecking a hole in the shell, in order to cart the peanut away.
Ah, the pleasures of birdwatching! Sounds like you are quite taken by the precious little feathered critters! I certainly am!